Moving With Kids: When Is the Best Time to Buy and Sell?

Moving at any time or for any reason isn’t the easiest task in the world. It’s not just all of the organizing, packing, loading, unloading, unpacking, and finding a new place for everything. Every way you look at it, this transition will involve a lot of planning and strategy. 

The timing of when to buy and when to sell comes into play, especially if you want to get the best possible value. If you are moving with children, the project takes on a whole new level of challenges. 

Your home will always be a substantial financial asset that requires careful decisions. However, the well-being of your family is likely your number one focus. Today, we’ll discuss the how and the when of moving with kids. 

One of the first steps to a successful move is understanding the value of your existing property. Find out how much your house is worth by scheduling a Complimentary Home Evaluation. 

The Reason for the Move

To pick the best time to buy or sell a home, first consider your reason for making this change in the first place. Remember, there is a big difference between what you might do when your children are teenagers compared to trying to move to a new house with a two-year-old. 

With teens or older children, parents often want to be in and settled before the new school year begins. This path leads to less stress and minimal disruption if you can make it happen. Time is of the essence, but location is also a key priority in terms of catchment areas, recreational centres, and other services and amenities. 

The school year plays less of a role when moving from one house to another with a toddler in tow. Your focus may be more on avoiding a winter move or in getting the best value from your sale and purchase.

Whenever possible, spring and fall are generally premium times for real estate. Either could mean a successful transaction and a warm-weather move. Talk about the best of both worlds! 

Are you counting on outstanding results to empower your move? Here’s Why You Should Sell Your Home With The Peggy Hill Team.

Ironing Out the Details

One of your first steps to a positive outcome is simply to pinpoint an ideal location where you can put down roots for the long term. This means planning for what you know you will love today, but also making sure the home suits your needs years from now. 

Consider the house itself, as well as the location. For example:

• Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms so everyone can enjoy their space and privacy? If not, is it feasible to add it in later? 
• Is the house in a good neighbourhood close to parks, shops, schools, and everything else you want easy access to? Also, are any major developments planned in the area that might change your decision?
• Do you want a house you can renovate and upgrade to your needs, or should it be fully updated, with nothing to do but move in and unpack?

Finding the right house is deeply personal, and we have no doubt that you have plenty of questions. Book a Complimentary Buyer’s Meeting with us to get some answers. 

Making the Most of the Market

Knowing what you want and need in a house will help you form a strategy that leaves nothing to chance. With this information in hand, you’ll also have an idea of the best time to make your move. 

Your plans may not always coincide exactly with what is happening in the market. However, with a well-thought-out strategy and professional guidance, you can make current conditions work for you. 

A skilled real estate agent will know exactly how to prepare and promote your home so it stands out from others in your area, helping you earn the highest amount possible in the current situation. When the time comes, we will then work with you to negotiate the best value on your new home. 

Your Timing Takes Priority, Regardless of the Market

During buyer’s markets, your home may not earn quite as much as you’d hoped. However, there is a silver lining: your new house will also cost less. 

Buying during a busy seller’s market can be challenging, not to mention expensive, but those conditions work in your favour when you’re the one selling. 

Instead of aiming for perfect timing, many experts will advise you to simply buy and sell in the same market. Whatever happens, your equity is protected. Even more importantly, you’re now free to make decisions that work for you based on your lifestyle and preferences. 

• If the time is right because of a family situation, such as needing a larger space or a different neighbourhood, you can move forward with confidence. 
• If you’re not ready to move, you shouldn’t feel pressured just because “the market is hot.” 

Buying or selling a house is always personal. Our goal is to make it highly successful on your terms and on your schedule. 

Wondering what homes are available in Barrie and the surrounding areas? Find out by browsing our featured listings. 

Survival Tips for Moving With a Young Family

Moving can be hectic and confusing even when you’re the adult who is making all of the arrangements. Imagine how it must feel to a young child who may be leaving the only home they’ve ever known. A few survival tips can ease the transition so everyone can look forward to a new experience. 

• Pick a few favourite toys and set them aside. Be sure they don’t go into cardboard boxes or storage. Instead, your child keeps them close by for a sense of comfort and familiarity.
• Pack anything you’ll need over the next 48 hours in a separate box that is clearly labelled. Transport this box in your car rather than on the moving truck. That way, you can easily find it. With the essentials in hand, everything else can wait, and the pressure is off. 
• Upon arrival in your new home, set up the children’s rooms immediately. Even if nothing else gets done, at least they’ll have a place to nap or curl up with a colouring book or a stuffie. If the little ones are peaceful, everyone else stands a chance!
• If possible, have very young children or pets stay with grandparents or other close relatives on moving day. 

Here’s one final tip that may sound like a tall order, and is much easier said than done, but wherever possible, try to turn chaos into a game. For example, no one has found the box with the cutlery yet and the hunger pangs are kicking in? 

Call in the family for a scavenger hunt. Perhaps the first person to find the kitchen stuff wins a small prize. Alternatively, this might be a great day to treat yourself and your family to a pizza. 

You’ve all worked hard to make your move a success, and you deserve to enjoy a little downtime. Soon, you’ll all settle in and turn this new house into a home of laughter and memories. 

Do you have questions about living in Barrie or buying or selling a home here? Get in touch with The Peggy Hill Team today at (705) 739-4455 or email info@peggyhill.com. We are happy to help you get started!